I live in Essendon, Victoria and am wanting to renovate however I'm just not too sure of what my first step should be.

Essentially we're wanting to extend a section of the house (about 8m long) out to the boundary. I'm not too sure if we should first go to an architect to have what we want drawn up - and then head to council, or go to council first?

I say this as I'm under the impression that extending out to the boundary can result in array of red tape or maybe juts a hard no from the council.

Hi DanRaw Welcome to the forumI do recommend you check with the council first this is why1. Architects/Designers charge heaps by the hour , so get a fixed price (should be <2K total for 2D, 3D,Elevations, Data, Quants)2. Council employed planners should assist you with the residential design codes and any quirky amendments they may require3. The planners also have checklists on building approvals which follows planning, etc Trying to source all that information online can be overwhelming i suggest you go into the counter and ask

OT, During the perth boom they would fob you off to expensive external Planning consultants, now because it's slowed down they are falling over to help people/rate payers, this is because some are now being laid offAre you doing an owner builder if so you will need Quantities, Rate$ , Approx. Costs etc..BTW photos also helpGoodluck

As most people do we've walked through our house pointing at walls with the standard .... "Lets just move that by 2m" .... beyond speaking with the council and inturn architect, it'll be interesting to see how much it'll cost to get want we want done.

DanrawContinuing on from planning is Costing & Building you might want to also readKnockdown & Rebuild Upgrade costs & Site setout on home extensionHaving the right BIM Tools (Building Information Model, Construction & Engineering, data,quants,etc) will also assist you greatly. OT Bear in mind Architects do not do BIM Engineering , which incidentally is critical onsite during the build